Ireland’s Antarctic Explorers

Irish explorers are at the heart of the gripping story of Antarctic exploration.

It is almost 200 years since Irishman Edward Bransfield set eyes upon the frozen Antarctic continent, paving the way for the celebrated exploits of fellow Irish explorers like Ernest Shackleton and Tom Crean. This illustrated talk will also salute men like Francis Crozier and reveal the stories of lesser-known Irishmen such as Keohane, Forde, and the McCarthy Brothers.

Michael Smith is an authority on Polar exploration who has written nine books, appeared in TV and radio documentaries for RTE and the BBC. Michael’s books include An Unsung Hero – Tom Crean, Shackleton – By Endurance We Conquer, Great Endeavour – Ireland’s Antarctic Explorers and Captain Francis – Last Man Standing and for younger readers, Tom Crean – Iceman. Michael was an award-winning journalist with The Guardian and The Observer.